Health

Urgent Call for Simcoe-Muskoka Parents: 5,000 Student Immunization Records Still Missing!

2025-01-07

Author: Jacob

Urgent Call for Simcoe-Muskoka Parents: 5,000 Student Immunization Records Still Missing!

In a pressing announcement, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reaching out to parents of children in grades 4, 5, and 6 to submit their immunization records or complete a medical exemption form by February 4, 2025. Failure to do so could result in school suspensions for their children, as mandated by the Immunization of School Pupils Act.

Shocking statistics reveal that there are currently 5,000 outstanding immunization records across the Simcoe-Muskoka region. Keeping vaccination records up to date is crucial for the health unit to effectively manage and control potential disease outbreaks within communities.

Since January 2024, the health unit has actively engaged families to help update their children's vaccinations, organizing "catch-up" opportunities through clinics at health unit offices and various schools. Parents of children lacking current vaccination records were sent an initial notification between January and February 2024, followed by a reminder in June. Additionally, the health unit has facilitated several catch-up clinics this summer to further assist families.

Dr. Colin Lee, the associate medical officer of health at SMDHU, stressed the importance of immunizations, stating, "The risk of infection from vaccine-preventable diseases poses serious health threats not only to students but to the wider community." He urged families to act swiftly to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date to avoid the potential of school suspension.

For parents without a healthcare provider, SMDHU offers appointments for immunizations at various locations, including Barrie, Collingwood, and Orillia. Parents are reminded that students must have documented proof of vaccination against diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (especially for those born after 2010), and meningococcal disease. Hepatitis B and HPV vaccinations are also strongly recommended.

The deadline is fast approaching, and parents are encouraged to log their children's immunization data online through smdhu.org/ImmsOnline or by contacting the health unit at 705-721-7520, ext. 8827.

For more information about routine vaccines and the diseases they prevent, don’t miss the chance to protect your child and the community! Visit smdhu.org or make the call today—your child's health may depend on it!